Constructal theory in heat transfer

Abstract

The Constructal Law is the law of physics that accounts for the universal phenomenon of evolution of flow configuration in nature. Evolution and the Constructal Law unite all the "live" systems, bio and nonbio, which are characterized by flow and freedom to morph. The Constructal Law is the time direction of the evolution phenomenon, namely, toward configurations that offer greater access to the currents of the live system. A constructer theory is the use of the Constructal Law for the purpose of predicting how a particular phenomenon of evolution will unfold. Constructal design is the philosophy of evolutionary design in engineering applications. In this chapter, the law, the theory, and the design are illustrated with examples from the field of heat transfer: vascular flow architectures, tree shaped cavities, conductive inserts for cooling, and networks for distributed heating on the inhabited landscape. In sum, this chapter makes the case for the central role played by theory and design in science.